RAIN or Shine goes for solo leadership in the team standings, as three other teams on Wednesday’s slate in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup look to end their losing skid.
Here’s what to watch in the double-header.
TITAN ULTRA VS. BLACKWATER
When: Wednesday, November 5. 5:15 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Scuffle between slumping teams
One team’s losing streak will end in the joust between Titan Ultra and Blackwater in the first game. The Giant Risers lost their fourth straight game in a tough manner against Rain or Shine, 112-111, when Joshua Munzon fouled Anton Asistio while taking a four-point attempt, and the latter made all his free throws shortly thereafter. The Bossing are on a three-game losing skid, bowing to NLEX, 99-88.
From goat to hero?
Munzon eyes a bounce back game for Titan Ultra against Blackwater. Before he made an unthinkable decision to foul Asistio as he threw a four-pointer, Munzon had a solid game against RoS when he had 15 points, 13 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals.
That effort, unfortunately, was erased with the foul that he committed, but Munzon has a chance to make it up against Blackwater.
Abueva erupts vs. RoS
Calvin Abueva’s night went for naught in Titan Ultra’s loss to Rain or Shine where he exploded with 31 points. It wasn’t long ago when Abueva carried the Giant Risers to the franchise’s first win against Meralco, 100-96, last October 8 with a career-high 41 points.
Ilagan set to comeback?
Blackwater has missed injured RK Ilagan during the last two games, and the guard is reportedly set to return against Titan Ultra. Ilagan is averaging 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals in the two games he has played thus far, and his presence will strengthen the Bossing's chance of winning against the Giant Risers.
RAIN OR SHINE VS. PHOENIX
When: Wednesday, November 5. 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ninoy Aquino Stadium
Going for solo lead
Rain or Shine is looking to snag the lone spot at first when it meets Phoenix in their encounter. The Elasto Painters own a 4-1 win-loss mark following their 106-91 win over Terrafirma last Friday, tying Magnolia on top of the standings.
Phoenix on a three-game slide
Phoenix will try to arrest its losing streak that is now at three when it lost a close one against Magnolia, 83-80. The Fuel Masters made the game interesting in the fourth quarter, outscoring their opponents, 26-14, in the final period despite trailing by as many as 14 points. They can use that momentum in their match-up against Rain or Shine.
Lean production from Kai Ballungay
After producing 21 points and eight rebounds against Converge, Kai Ballungay could only muster four points and four rebounds in Phoenix’s loss to Magnolia.
The Fuel Masters need his production especially on the glass after they were outrebounded by the Hotshots in their previous game, 48-39.
Pringle, Tiongson could see court time vs Phoenix
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said Stanley Pringle and Caelan Tiongson could see action against Phoenix after missing a couple of games. Pringle has only played a single game for RoS due to knee soreness, while Tiongson has only been in action for two games due to a hamstring injury.
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